What happens when a former preschool teacher leads story time? In this interactive session, we'll explore how early childhood education principles can transform library programs into engaging, developmentally rich experiences.
We'll examine how young children learn through child development theory, classroom rhythms, and intentional transitions—applying these ideas to story time practices that feel natural and playful. You'll try strategies supporting attention, movement, and engagement while we share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate successes.
Whether you're new to story time or a seasoned veteran seeking fresh inspiration, this session helps you view programs through a preschool teacher's lens.
Libraries are on the frontlines of national immigration changes. How are Maryland’s library workers responding to new demands and the ever-evolving immigration policy landscape? In this interactive session, attendees will learn about three resources—a self-paced course, an interest group, and a toolkit—designed to improve Maryland library workers’ capacities to partner with immigrant groups. Library workers will test their knowledge of Maryland immigration history and trends while learning the value of evidence-based, contextualized immigrant engagement. This initiative is made possible through the Libraries, Integration, and New Americans (LINA) Project at the University of Maryland iSchool’s i3r (Immigration and International Information Research) Alliance.
While libraries don’t usually offer haircuts, they can create a stylish opportunity for patrons to share humanistic ideas and personal projects, learn, and encourage a creative community through literary salons– themed, intimate gatherings where participants freely discuss literary and artistic subjects. Historically, salons opened doors for individuals of all backgrounds to explore and exchange new ideas, especially in the face of censorship. This session will be held as an interactive salon simulation, where attendees will learn how to create similar spaces in their libraries.
Library Branch Associate II, Wicomico Public Library, Centre Branch
Hiya from the Eastern Shore! Talk to me about...anything! I'm mostly involved with adult programming, reference, and nonfiction selection. I also currently chair the Emerging Adults Interest Group (EAIG)-- please do reach out if you are interested in becoming a fellow "EAIGgie... Read More →
Friday May 8, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm EDT Chesapeake E
The romance world is often intimidating for library staff, yet the demand among patrons is high. The goal of this roundtable discussion is to gain a comfortability with Romance materials in way that reflects the joy of the genre. We will address some of the barriers that cause discomfort, discuss recent changes in publishing that have affected the genre, and provide resources for romance books in the YA and teen section.
